Marlene Asta Strunk Nikoukary

Marlene Asta Strunk Nikoukary, 90, passed away Wednesday, October 25, 2023. A Graveside service will be held at 3:00pm on Sunday, October 29th in the Mars Hill Cemetery 2850 Mars Hill Church Rd., Acworth, GA 30101 with the Rev. Dr. Richard Holden officiating. Marlene was born in Fair Lawn, New Jersey on January 20, 1933. She lived there through high school, where she met her husband-to-be, Nasser (Nick) Nikoukary from Tehran, Iran. Nick went to college in Lakeland, Florida, and the couple got married and lived there for a short time. After daughter Linda was born, the family moved back to New Jersey, where Marlene became a homemaker and later gave birth to her son, Gary. The family later moved to Dalton, Georgia, where Marlene was a columnist for the local newspaper and was active in the Creative Arts Guild. Then, the family moved to Kennesaw, where Marlene was active at Pinetree Country Club and she began her lifelong research of North Georgia history. After her divorce, she had homes in Kennesaw and Acworth for many years. She had a successful career as a realtor and was active in the Kiwanis Club and Mars Hill Presbyterian Church. In her latter years, she moved briefly to Saint Simons Island, then to Macon, Georgia. Marlene passed away at a nursing home in Jonesboro after a short illness on October 25, 2023. Throughout Marlene's life, she was always a very happy, optimistic, warm, friendly, and caring person whom everyone loved. She loved people and they loved her. Marlene was full of life, and a joy to be around. Marlene is survived by her loving family, including her brother, Ralph Strunk from North Carolina; her daughter, Linda Logan from Jonesboro; her son, Gary Nikoukary from Saint Simons Island; a niece; two nephews; four grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. She was especially close to her daughter and to her best friend, Sheila Brock, formerly of Acworth, who will both greatly miss her. Marlene accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior as a teenager, and she worshipped Him throughout her life. Collins Funeral home is honored to be in charge of the arrangements for Ms. Marlene Nikoukary.